"Proximity time" vs. "quality time"

Kade · 07-13-2005, 01:11 PM

Winston was extended an invitation to come to work with me as often as I please (yay!). So this means I'm with him at 6 am when he wakes up, he sits in his pen while I write before work, he's next to me in the car for the commute, in his pen next to my desk all day, rides home with me, gets played with for being such a good quiet dog all day, and plays in his pen while DH and I watch TV (uh, I mean, do something worthwhile with our time

). At night he sleeps in his crate (or outside his crate but in the pen, if he chooses) next to our bed.

I'm acutely aware that he needs to spend some time away from us, just so he doesn't assume that the only place to be is at Mommy's side. But my other question is this -- how much actual "playtime" does he need, considering he spends so much time two feet away from me? Is that satisfying a lot of his pack dynamic needs?

(He's well-socialized with people and very well-behaved at work. He naps, plays, and looks out the window and generally entertains himself.)

So does "nearby" time translate somehow to play? This is a dog who is never in his crate with nothing to do, except in the car. Also, when he gets his next shots in 3 weeks, I'm going to start taking him for walks at lunchtime. But for now, because this is a high-traffic area, he can't be allowed to sniff the sidewalks, curbs, etc.

Thank you!

flyndog · 07-13-2005, 02:19 PM

My dog always spent time with me from the time she was 12 weeks old and still does I did start to "wean" her away from me though, *after* she was housetrained and trustworthy, for short periods of time so there wouldn't be any separation issues. You'll know if he isn't getting enough exercise because he will start getting into mischief! In addition to playtime at work, are you able to do some short (2 or 3 minute) basic training with him, too? I love to hear about dog-friendly workplaces!

Kade · 07-13-2005, 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyndog

You'll know if he isn't getting enough exercise because he will start getting into mischief! In addition to playtime at work, are you able to do some short (2 or 3 minute) basic training with him, too? I love to hear about dog-friendly workplaces!

I do climb into the pen with him a couple times a day and make him do his tricks, and then at home we always work on them for a little while, depending on how much energy he has (and how much I have!).

As far as mischief goes, we keep him pretty well contained -- so he's probably a hellion and I just don't know it yet, LOL.

It's funny to me because everyone tells me he's going to be spoiled, but he sits next to my desk all day and hardly makes a peep -- at ten weeks, I think that's pretty good.

GSD · 07-13-2005, 06:42 PM

IMO playing/training do an infinite more amount of good when it comes to building a bond with a dog than having it 2 feet from you all day. If you can do both everyday.......Well let's jus say i'm extremely jealous.

Kade · 07-13-2005, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GSD

IMO playing/training do an infinite more amount of good when it comes to building a bond with a dog than having it 2 feet from you all day. If you can do both everyday.......Well let's jus say i'm extremely jealous.

I'm a lucky SOB, I know it --

And yet somehow my husband still walks in the door at night and gets all the good tail-wags, LOL!

momtobella · 07-13-2005, 11:43 PM

Kade you are lucky to have your dog at work! When I first got Bella I worked but now I get to stay home with her. It will make for a great bond, I think Bella has been easier to train because of it. I am going to be doing my own business soon and it will be a dog friendly place

07-13-2005, 01:11 PM	#1 (permalink)
Kade 9 months old?! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 903 Rep Power: 89	"Proximity time" vs. "quality time" Winston was extended an invitation to come to work with me as often as I please (yay!). So this means I'm with him at 6 am when he wakes up, he sits in his pen while I write before work, he's next to me in the car for the commute, in his pen next to my desk all day, rides home with me, gets played with for being such a good quiet dog all day, and plays in his pen while DH and I watch TV (uh, I mean, do something worthwhile with our time ). At night he sleeps in his crate (or outside his crate but in the pen, if he chooses) next to our bed. I'm acutely aware that he needs to spend some time away from us, just so he doesn't assume that the only place to be is at Mommy's side. But my other question is this -- how much actual "playtime" does he need, considering he spends so much time two feet away from me? Is that satisfying a lot of his pack dynamic needs? (He's well-socialized with people and very well-behaved at work. He naps, plays, and looks out the window and generally entertains himself.) So does "nearby" time translate somehow to play? This is a dog who is never in his crate with nothing to do, except in the car. Also, when he gets his next shots in 3 weeks, I'm going to start taking him for walks at lunchtime. But for now, because this is a high-traffic area, he can't be allowed to sniff the sidewalks, curbs, etc. Thank you!
	__________________ "You come home, the dog throws itself at you. 'Where have you been? You've been so long. I missed you, missed you, missed you. I love you, love you, love you. What's in the bag? Something for me? Oh, let me lick your ear. Oh, let me chew your gloves. You're home!''' -- Pam Brown All About Winston

07-13-2005, 02:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
flyndog Unleash The Possibilities Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Marfa, TX Posts: 3,969 Rep Power: 183	My dog always spent time with me from the time she was 12 weeks old and still does I did start to "wean" her away from me though, after she was housetrained and trustworthy, for short periods of time so there wouldn't be any separation issues. You'll know if he isn't getting enough exercise because he will start getting into mischief! In addition to playtime at work, are you able to do some short (2 or 3 minute) basic training with him, too? I love to hear about dog-friendly workplaces!
	__________________ mARFa Dog Training and Behavior

07-13-2005, 11:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
momtobella Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 94 Rep Power: 0	Kade you are lucky to have your dog at work! When I first got Bella I worked but now I get to stay home with her. It will make for a great bond, I think Bella has been easier to train because of it. I am going to be doing my own business soon and it will be a dog friendly place
momtobella Join Date: Jun 2005 Posts: 94 Rep Power: 0

07-13-2005, 06:42 PM	#4 (permalink)
GSD Herding dogs Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: WI Posts: 1,133 Rep Power: 138	IMO playing/training do an infinite more amount of good when it comes to building a bond with a dog than having it 2 feet from you all day. If you can do both everyday.......Well let's jus say i'm extremely jealous.

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